How Barcelona barely salvaged a win over Real Valladolid in La Liga

Ah, February, the single most dreadful time of the year for all things FC Barcelona. While a certain dose of superstition definitely plays a huge role in believing in what Cules popularly call “Hlebruary”, some facts simply cannot be totally overlooked. The Catalans do struggle just around the second month of the year and going into the third every single year.

Be it superstition, a tough schedule, bad management or just a certain dose of bad luck, Barcelona and February do not get along, as can be seen from no wins from their three games this month. Until the game against Real Valladolid, that is.

This February-specific dip in form was also seen in all its glory against a team that is fighting relegation in La Liga. Nevertheless the hosts managed to get the all-important three points at the Camp Nou. This tactical analysis will use statistics to tell you just how Barcelona got away with a poor performance but also with the full spoils for themselves.

Lineups

Barcelona (4-3-3)

Starting XI: Ter Stegen  Sergi, Pique, Vermaelen, Alba  Aleña, Busquets, Vidal  Messi, Boateng, Dembele

Bench: Iñaki Peña, Lenglet, Semedo, Coutinho, Rakitić, Suárez, Malcom

Coach: Ernesto Valverde

Real Valladolid (3-4-1-2)

Starting XI: Masip  Joaquin, Kikio Olivas, Calero  Antoñito, Michel, Anuar, Nacho  Verde  Sergi Guardiola, Enes Ünal

Bench: Yoel, Boarja, Moyand, Toni, Duje Cop, Keko, Stiven Plaza

Coach: Sergio Gonzalez

Barcelona’s setup

Seeing how there are some crucial fixture ahead of the team, Ernesto Valverde had to find the perfect games to rest his key players. On paper, the game against relegation-bound Real Valladolid seemed like a perfect option.

Thomas Vermaelen replaced Clement Leng